22 April 2013

Researchers from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and University of Maryland Baltimore County conducted studies on the positive effects of a berry enriched diet on the brain. They found that having berries on a diet increases its protective functions against toxins that can cause alzheimer's disease and that it alleviates stress by improving the brain's behavior and cognitive functions.

Previous studies on berries, particularly strawberries and blueberries, show that regular consumption of berries slows down the degeneration of cognitive functions. In older women, the study shows a delayed cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years.

Current studies on berries extend its positive effects from delaying cognition to also protecting the brain from toxic accumulation as well as mitigating stress related behavior and cognitive decline. Phytonutrients present in the berries such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins is believed to be the contributing factor for this effect.Blueberries, Stawberries, and the Brain

Adding more color to your diet in the form of berries is encouraged by many nutrition experts. The protective effect of berries against inflammation has been documented in many studies. Diets supplemented with blueberries and strawberries have also been shown to improve behavior and cognitive functions in stressed young rats.

To evaluate the protective effects of berries on brain function, specifically the ability of the brain to clear toxic accumulation, researchers from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and University of Maryland Baltimore County recently fed rats a berry diet for 2 months and then looked at their brains after irradiation, a model for accelerated aging. All of the rats were fed berries 2 months prior to radiation and then divided into two groups- one was evaluated after 36 hours of radiation and the other after 30 days.

Video: Healthier Brains Through Blueberries and Strawberries

"After 30 days on the same berry diet, the rats experienced significant protection against radiation compared to control," said investigator Shibu Poulose, PhD. "We saw significant benefits to diets with both of the berries, and speculate it is due to the phytonutrients present."

The researchers looked at neurochemical changes in the brain, in particular what is known as autophagy, which can regulate the synthesis, degradation and recycling of cellular components. It is also the way in which the brain clears toxic accumulations. "Most diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have shown an increased amount of toxic protein. Berries seem to promote autophagy, the brain's natural housekeeping mechanism, thereby reducing the toxic accumulation," said Poulose.

The researchers are currently conducting a human study in older people ages 60-75. "We have a lot of animal work that suggests these compounds will protect the aged brain and reverse some of behavioral deficits. We are hoping it will translate to human studies as well," said Dr. Barbara Shukitt-Hale, the lead investigator conducting the human study.